ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Maine Maritime Academy sailing team traveled to the U.S. Naval Academy over the weekend to compete for the Shields Trophy, an annual championship for all the service academies, and came away with third place. The Mariners edged out rivals Navy, Coast Guard and California Maritime in a tight battle for the final spot on the podium.

The weather gave optimal conditions for weekend racing, as moderate northerly breezes provided challenging decisions on the race course.

Maine Maritime was led by seniors Kyle Carse and Ella Beauregard as Skipper and Tactician. Following two solid races to begin the regatta, a runaway win in the third race erased any doubts about their ability to win the event and the others to come this fall, including the Kennedy Cup which serves as the national championship for intercollegiate sailing.

The College of Charleston won the Shields Trophy with repeated freewheeling romps around the course which all began with full speed starts at the favored pin end.  

Defending national champion Kings Point also had its mojo working as the Merchant Marine locked up second place, close on the heels of Charleston.

The tightly choreographed teamwork on both boats set a high bar to challenge for the national title. But the Mariners have signaled that they are up for the challenge. 

Maine Maritime will get to work this week preparing to contend for a berth at the Kennedy Cup at the next Navy event, the MacMillan Cup in October.